Location: Pasadena, CA
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Hey AV explorers, Thomas here – if you’re looking for a day that swaps desert heat for tree-lined streets, world-class art, and one of the best walkable downtowns in Southern California, Pasadena is your move this June. About 1.5 hours from Lancaster, it’s the kind of day trip where you don’t need a single ticket or itinerary to have a great time – just show up, wander, and let the city do the work.
Old Town Pasadena is a 22-block National Register Historic District packed with galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and street life along Colorado Boulevard. But the real anchor of a great Pasadena day is the Norton Simon Museum – one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled, featuring European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years, with over 12,000 objects in the collection. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors, with free admission for students with ID and everyone 18 and under. Even better – the first Friday of every month, admission is completely free for all visitors from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. June 6th lands on the first Friday of the month, making it a perfect no-cost evening anchor for the day.
The museum’s outdoor sculpture garden is a highlight all on its own – the Garden Café is open during museum hours, perfect for a bite or coffee surrounded by art in the open air.
Making it a Full Day:
Start with brunch on Colorado Blvd before the museum opens. True Food Kitchen on Colorado Boulevard is an easy walk from the Metro A Line station, with a seasonally rotating menu of whole-ingredient dishes and a great outdoor patio for people-watching. For something more local, Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery is a beloved Old Town spot with a shareable menu built around artisan cheese, cured meats, and creative small plates. After the museum, stroll through Old Town’s galleries and boutiques, then catch the sunset from the Pasadena Playhouse district.
Thomas’s Local Tips:
- 🎨 Hit the Norton Simon on the first Friday – June 6th is Free First Friday at the Norton Simon, with free admission from 4–7 PM and special programming. This month’s First Friday includes a guided tour of the Norton Simon, the Collector exhibition. It’s one of the best free cultural experiences in all of SoCal and most people outside of LA don’t even know it exists.
- 🚶 Park once and walk everything – The Norton Simon’s parking lot is free of charge, and the museum is right on Colorado Blvd, putting you walking distance from Old Town’s restaurants, shops, and galleries. One parking spot covers your whole day.
- ☕ Arrive early for brunch – Old Town gets busy by noon on weekends. Get there by 10–10:30 AM to snag a patio table at one of the Colorado Blvd restaurants before the lunch crowd rolls in.
- 🌿 Don’t skip the sculpture garden – The Norton Simon’s outdoor garden is a Monet-inspired sculpture walk that most first-time visitors rush past. Budget an extra 20–30 minutes to slow down and take it in – it’s genuinely one of the most beautiful spots in Pasadena.
Nature’s calling, it’s time to pick up… See you out there!
